Method for desensitizing teeth

Abstract

A method for desensitizing teeth includes applying an effective amount of charged polymeric particles to the surface of the tooth.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of desensitizing a hypersensitive tooth, comprising applying a dentrifice, an aqueous dispersion, or a paste containing an effective amount of charged polymeric particles to the surface of said tooth to cause desensitization of said tooth. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said particles have an average diameter of 0.01 micron to 3 microns. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein said particles have an average diameter of 0.2 micron to 0.6 micron. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein said particles have an average surface charge density of greater than 4μC/cm 2 . 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 2 wherein said particles are microspheres. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5 wherein said microspheres comprise polystyrene. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein said particles are positively charged. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1 wherein said particles are applied in the form of an aqueous dispersion. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 8, further comprising polishing said surface of said tooth prior to applying said aqueous dispersion. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 8, wherein said particles are applied to said surface for less than about one minute. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 1 wherein said particles are applied in the form of a dentifrice. 
     
     
       12. A method of desensitizing a hypersensitive tooth, said tooth comprising an exposed tubule in the dentin layer of said tooth, said method comprising applying to said surface of said tooth a dentrifice, an aqueous dispersion, or a past containing a sufficient amount of charged polymeric particles to block said tubule. 
     
     
       13. The method of claim 12 wherein said particles have an average diameter of less than 3 microns. 
     
     
       14. The method of claim 13 wherein said particles comprise microspheres. 
     
     
       15. The method of claim 14 wherein said microspheres comprise polystyrene. 
     
     
       16. A method of treating a hypersensitive tooth, comprising applying a dentrifice, an aqueous dispersion, or a paste containing charged polymeric microspheres to the surface of said tooth. 
     
     
       17. The method of claim 16 wherein said microspheres are positively charged. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 14 wherein said microspheres comprise polystyrene. 
     
     
       19. A composition comprising a dentifrice including charged polymeric microspheres. 
     
     
       20. The composition of claim 19 wherein said microspheres have an average diameter of 0.01 micron to 3 microns. 
     
     
       21. The composition of claim 19 wherein said microspheres comprise polystyrene.